Rich Products expands recall linked to Georgia plant

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Rich Products has dramatically expanded a voluntary product recall to include all foods manufactured at its Waycross, Ga., facility, out of a concern they could potentially be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

Rich recalled a number of Farm Rich Products last week after an E. coli outbreak sickened 24 people in 15 states. Two of the 24 cases, affecting consumers in New York State and Texas, have been linked to products included in the original recall.

No illnesses have been linked to the products included in the expanded recall, and there is no evidence to suggest that any will, said Dwight Gram, a spokesman for Rich Products.

“While we believe the breadth of the original recall was accurate and reasonable, we simply cannot be positive there are no additional contaminated products beyond the scope of last week’s recall,” Gram said. “Any possibility that one more person can become ill is simply unacceptable.”

The products in the expanded recall were sold under the banners Farm Rich, Market Day and Schwan’s, and have “Best By” dates from Jan. 1 to Sept. 29, 2014. The Food and Drug Administration has completed its investigation at the Georgia plant and found no violations, Gram said.

Rich Products said it is continuing to work with food safety officials to pinpoint the source of contamination. A full list of recalled items is available on the Strictly Business blog at BuffaloNews.com.

Symptoms of E. coli infection can occur up to 10 days after exposure and may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. Customers with questions about the recall should call (888) 220-5955 or visit farmrich.com.